Faults:

Brake pads crumbled as the car had been off the road for a while before I got it.

Alternator.

I replaced the clutch just after I got it. I knew it needed replacing when I bought it anyway.

General Comments:

This car is incredibly reliable. Handling isn't great though. It doesn't use up any oil at all! For a 15 year old car with 164k miles on the clock that is an incredible achievement.

Faults:

Exhaust failed at a rate of one section per week!

Water pump leaky.

Cambelt replaced (routine work).

Throttle linkage fell apart.

Poor handbrake.

New pads + discs (warped).

Seat runners broken.

Leaky damper.

Leaking sunroof (aftermarket crap).

Manifold gasket.

Rear brake flexi-hoses.

CV gaiter.

General Comments:

Such a boring car.

Pattern parts are dead cheap, but VW stuff is better quality. I find no great difference in the build compared to my old Sierras, this thing rattles and squeaks with the best of 'em.

Considering it's mere 45 bhp, a top speed of 111mph (bouncing off the limiter at 6,300 rpm) is not too bad at all. Fairly refined considering I threw all the sound deadening in the skip. Performance in all but first is embarrassing. Perhaps I expected too much. Might go for a 16 valve GTi next. Then again, perhaps not.

Faults:

Carburettor needed replacing at 100,000 miles, CV joints needed replacing around 90,000 miles, other than this just exhaust, tyres and brakes have needed replacing.

General Comments:

This has been an excellent car that I have owned for three and a half years. I purchased it once it had covered 80,000 miles and it has now covered 130,000 with very little work needed. I have had it serviced regularly by an excellent VW specialist and I believe it will continue to give good reliable service for a number of years. It is also reasonably economical returning approximately 42 miles to the gallon. I tow a large folding caravan, which it manages with ease.

Faults:

Very little:

Brake hose split on last MOT.

Throttle cable wore an air leak in valve for in-dash mpg meter (Vacuum Advance Gauge) - £5 fix from scrap yard.

Boot lock seized from years of motorway spray (ever seen a Golf GTi MkII with a clean backside!...me neither) - £2.50 for new lock from scrap yard.

Original clutch (130k miles) is getting a bit slippy.

General Comments:

Believe it or not I'm not a fan, but I bought this car in 1992 with 36k on the clock. I upgraded air filter, exhaust suspension and polished head soon after buying it (130bhp). I've punished it hard, but serviced it regularly (DIY). The damn thing just keeps going strong. I'd love to get a new car for a change, but 38-42 mpg, much more than adequate performance supported by great handling and reliable, reliable, reliable! How can I justify getting rid of it?